Bucs’ improvements in secondary can’t be ignored

By Anthony Bialy  |   Wednesday, May 09, 2007  |  Comments( 0 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

It's easy to overlook among all of the attention given to the addition of first-rounder Gaines Adams to the defensive line, but Tampa Bay's secondary improved at the recent draft, too. Adams, an end, improves the Buccaneers' aging defense immediately, but any team fortunate enough to pick him up would have been able to make that claim.

The hidden treasures may be less spectacular, but early on the Bucs added two players to the secondary who could contribute.

Sabby Piscitelli, who has already won the title of best name of the 2007 draft, is now focused on winning a prominent role in Tampa's defense. The Buccaneers' second pick of the second round, he has both speed and quickness; those qualities are not necessarily mutual, especially for a big player like the 6-foot-3 Piscitelli. Further, the reports say he also has good football sense, embodied by the uncanny way he was able to sniff out ball carriers and pass routes while patrolling Oregon State's secondary.

Particularly considering his size, some scouts noted that they'd like Piscitelli to be a bit more physical, showing more of the strength on the field that he has displayed on the bench press. If he can demonstrate gains in that area, he could see time at either safety position or as a linebacker in run-stopping situations.

Joining Piscitelli in the secondary is Tampa's fourth-round pick, cornerback Tanard Jackson. He was one of a small handful of bright stars for a miserable Syracuse team that misses the Donovan McNabb era; in truth, they'd settle for Troy Nunes at this point, but even as a member of the Orange's lamentably diminished football program, Jackson shined. He played since he was a true freshman and started every game he participated in from his sophomore year forward. Listed at an even 6 feet, Jackson has good height for a corner, and he's suitably physical for someone of his size.

Jackson is not a true speedster, and he doesn't pick off many passes; his five career interceptions at Syracuse would make it fair to label his hands as being prototypically those of a cornerback. He's not in the playmaker category, but the important thing to remember about CBs is that defending passes is their first priority. Interceptions are gravy on your mashed potatoes, but a corner can contribute without creating turnovers.

There was a frightening off-field incident involving Jackson when he was stabbed after a 2004 on-campus dance. But accounts are that he was actually attempting to play peacemaker and break up a confrontation. It's a character concern more than a certified character issue, and it seems Jackson's version of the events has held up; it apparently did so in the minds of those in the Buccaneers front office, too.

Therefore, Tampa added not only a super defensive end during the draft but also took steps toward establishing a sound secondary. Obtaining promising young players should help the Buccaneers turn over their defensive personnel in a positive manner and bring back glory to a squad that was smothering enough in the past that it inspired imitations around the NFL.

Piscitelli and Jackson is not merely a good name for a mismatched buddy cop show but also a duo that could help restore the luster to a once-dominating defense.

Original Tampa Bay Buccaneers insight, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Anthony Bialy

I'm just here to submit ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report